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When I think about my best conversations they all have one thing in common: varying points of view. My favorite discussions feel more like debates, not because I enjoy yelling or arguing but because they’re with individuals who believe in something for a good reason and aren’t afraid to stand up for it. But even more so because they are capable of doing something not many people are able to do, disagree in a respectful, tasteful manner.

I love when people believe in something. I love even more when they aren’t afraid to voice these opinions even when they’re the only person who feels this way. However, I hate when people are rude, tactless and close-minded in doing so. It makes me not want to hear what they have to say and not want to be open to the possibility that they may be right or that that it even matters.

The great thing about opinions is that everyone has one, but the way they express it makes all the difference to me. When sharing differing views it’s necessary to be open-minded, responsive and aware that others may be right in their own way. Sharing your point-of-view is only half the battle and to be honest, it’s the easier half. The difficult part is piping down and listening to the other person. Listen to understand don’t listen to respond. At the end of it all, even if you don’t end up with parallel viewpoints it’s still a win/win because despite the fact that I don’t like your opinion or even agree with it, I’m thankful that you have one.

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One Response to “The great debates”

Hey Kelly
Great post. I too enjoy debating. Sadly too many people when they feel they are losing the debate devolve into name calling and character assasination, especially online where they can hide behind pseudonyms. It is invariably the liberals who engage in this virulent hate speech.

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I am an MBA student at the University of Nevada, Reno. I aim to help you improve your communication skills through my experiences: the good, bad, and everything in between. Words always mean something because if they didn't you wouldn't have said it. I'll help you say it better because it's not always what you say, but how you say it.